Before the fast begins, before the nights fill with Qur’an and duʿāʾ, before our hearts tremble with hope and fear—let us begin with gratitude.
Gratitude to Allah, the Most Merciful, who chose us to witness another Ramadan while many souls were returned to Him since the last. Gratitude for life in our veins, īmān in our hearts, and the gentle knock of this blessed month upon our doors.
Ramadan is not guaranteed. It is a gift—unearned, undeserved, yet lovingly bestowed. To wake up knowing we will fast again, prostrate again, weep again in sujūd, and whisper our secrets to Allah in the quiet of the night is a mercy beyond measure.
How many wished for just one more Ramadan?
How many planned to change “next year” but never arrived? Yet here we are—invited once more.
Gratitude humbles the heart. It reminds us that Ramadan is not a burden, but an honor. Not a routine, but a rare appointment with Allah. Every hunger pang is a reminder that we are alive to worship. Every sunset call to ifṭār is a testimony that Allah sustained us through another day. Every night prayer is proof that He still wants to hear our voices.
When we begin Ramadan with gratitude, our worship deepens. We fast not merely from food, but from heedlessness. We pray not out of habit, but out of love. We repent not casually, but with broken hearts—thankful that the door of tawbah remains wide open.
Let gratitude soften us. Let it cleanse our intentions. Let it silence complaints and awaken awe. For gratitude transforms Ramadan from a calendar month into a sacred journey—one that reforms hearts, renews souls, and redraws our relationship with Allah.
So as the moon is sighted and intentions are made, whisper sincerely:
O Allah, thank You for allowing me to reach Ramadan. Thank You for not giving up on me. Help me worship You in a way that pleases You, and accept it from me.
Begin with gratitude—and let Ramadan change you.
Umm Sumayyah Mai
